Record-Breaking Sale: Ohtani's Historic '50-50' Baseball Fetches Over £3.39 Million

The iconic '50-50' baseball, struck by the Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani during his landmark season, has sold for an astounding £3.39 million ($4.4 million) at auction. This unprecedented sale marks a significant milestone in sports history, as Ohtani became the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single MLB season during the game against the Miami Marlins on September 19. The ball's record price surpasses the previous auction record of £2.3 million ($3 million), set in 1999 for Mark McGwire's historic ball.

Despite the staggering sale, the ownership of Ohtani's '50-50' baseball is currently embroiled in legal controversy. Eighteen-year-old Max Matus claims that he initially secured the ball before it was forcibly taken from him by another fan. Though there are disputes regarding the ball's rightful ownership, all parties agreed to proceed with the auction. Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions, stated that the auction received global bids due to Ohtani's significant impact on sports, assuring the buyer of complete ownership transfer.

Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year contract worth £539.5 million ($700 million) with the Dodgers in 2023, is not only renowned for his on-field performance but also for his impressive off-field earnings, surpassing even sports icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, Ohtani's remarkable achievements continue to captivate baseball fans worldwide.